Katie Porter: “When Congress enacted the first income tax in 1861, in the midst of the Civil War, it included the first exemption for…”

“When Congress enacted the first income tax in 1861, in the midst of the Civil War, it included the first exemption for State and local taxes. President Trump's tax law violated our Nation's long-held views of States' rights and a limited Federal Government. It has long been accepted in America that we do not tax the same income twice. Federal taxation must not crowd out the taxes needed to support critical State and local functions like good schools, roads, and bridges. That principle was first stated in the Federalist Papers. It is a core component of States' rights, and it was attacked by Trump's tax law. The SALT deduction expresses the longstanding American preference of local solutions to local problems. President Trump's tax law hurts California communities. By limiting the deductibility of State and local taxes, the Trump tax law was a direct threat to States and communities that are investing in local services. Over the long-term, it will cause local governments to slash revenue that funds schools, healthcare, transit, parks, and first responders. This bill will not only help middle-class families, but it will expand tax relief for educators by doubling the tax credit from $250 to $500. It will create a new tax credit for first responders, the people who put their lives on the line every day to serve us. I am heartened that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to work on a progressive income tax.…”